Chapter 4

After breakfast, Charles and I headed to the office together.

I couldn't bring myself to sit in the front seat, so I insisted on taking the back. "I get carsick. It's more comfortable in the back, plus I can get some air."

Charles didn't push me. "Alright, I'll try to drive smoothly."

When we pulled up to the office, Charles jogged over and opened the car door for me.

As I stepped out, employees on their morning rush couldn't help but gawk.

A few executives hurried over, grinning.

"Mrs. Wilson, you're here. Mr. Wilson is always talking about how much you love milkshakes. I'll go grab some for you right away."

"Let me get the snacks. Mrs. Wilson loves cupcakes."

Charles teased them with a laugh, "Don't keep feeding her. Evelyn's gotten a bit chubby lately. Her wedding ring barely fits now."

"Mr. Wilson, that's not right at all. Mrs. Wilson has such a great figure. If her ring doesn't fit, it's got to be the ring's fault. It must've shrunk."

"Oh, come on, that's some serious flattery. Silver doesn't shrink, you know."

"You don't get it. Mr. Wilson is head over heels for Mrs. Wilson. If she's happy, he's happy, and that means good times for all of us."

Charles laughed, easygoing as ever, "Alright, alright, you guys really know how to hit my soft spot."

Everyone cracked up.

I was practically ushered into Charles's office by everyone.

They had set up a feast of fruit, snacks, and milkshakes for me, everything I could want.

Charles queued up a TV show on his computer for me. "Evelyn, I've got to get to work. Relax and enjoy yourself here. If you need anything, let Lucas outside know."

I asked deliberately, "Where's your lifestyle assistant, Jessica? Why isn't she here today?"

Charles replied, "I have no idea. I'll ask HR to give her a call and see what's up."

Before leaving, Charles affectionately touched my hair and whispered, "Wait for me, okay? We'll have lunch together when I return."

Charles left.

The executives left as well.

But then I noticed his phone was on the desk. I rushed out after him, only to catch the tail end of the executives' gossiping.

"The rooftop? Mr. Wilson and Jessica are really getting bolder these days."

"What else could they do? Who would've guessed Mrs. Wilson would show up out of the blue? They had to switch up their spot."

"So, do we need to bring Mr. Wilson his condoms today?"

"Nah, no need. I saw it when Mr. Wilson went up earlier. He had several boxes tucked in his pocket."

"Man, Mr. Wilson's got guts. He actually bought condoms right under Mrs. Wilson's nose?"

"Use a delivery app. It's so convenient now. You can get anything delivered."

It suddenly hit me. Those persistent calls this morning were from the delivery guy.

He'd put in the order bright and early, had the delivery guy bring him condoms. It looked like he was really looking forward to their rooftop date today. He'd gotten ready so early.

"I mean, who knows if a few boxes are enough? Last time, Mr. Wilson and Jessica spent the whole day and night in the car for their sex, and Jessica was walking funny when she showed up at work the next morning."

"If he runs out, we'll bring him more. We're his subordinates. We got to keep the boss happy, right?"

"Didn't you say we should keep Mrs. Wilson happy, too?"

"Come on, what does she know? She's easy. Give her milkshakes and some snacks, and she's happy. With Mr. Wilson's status, who doesn't have a couple of mistresses? He's got money and power. Messing around is normal, as long as the wife doesn't find out."

"Yeah, she looks so innocent. Keeping her in the dark should be a piece of cake."

Just then, Charles showed up. "Watch what you say in front of Evelyn, alright?"

The executives nodded quickly. "Got it, Mr. Wilson. We know the drill."

One of them asked, "Mr. Wilson, why'd you bring Mrs. Wilson in today? Now you and Jessica have to hide out on the rooftop, and we all have to tiptoe around our words."

Charles shot him a sharp look. "Evelyn is the boss lady here. She can come and go whenever she wants. Mind your own business."

"Yes, of course." The man nodded.

Charles gave them a hard look. "Make sure you look after Evelyn. She had an upset stomach yesterday. No cold or raw food for her. And if anyone so much as whispers about Jessica and me, you're packing your bags and out for good. Understood?"

The executives nodded eagerly, all flattering smiles.

I didn't catch the rest of their conversation. I hurried back to Charles's office and set his phone down right in the middle of the snack pile.

After a while, Charles walked back in. He was still the picture of a gentle gentleman. "Hey, sweetheart, what are you eating that smells so good?"

Hearing him call me sweetheart sent a chill down my spine.

I pushed through my discomfort and asked, "Weren't you supposed to be in a meeting? Why are you back already?"

"I left my phone here. Did you see it?" he asked.

I shook my head, feigning innocence. "Nope."

Charles fished around in the pile of snacks and found his phone. "So it was hiding in there. Enjoy your snacks. I'll get going."

Just then, my phone started ringing, and I answered.

"Hello, is this Ms. Dorothy Taylor?" a voice sounded.

"Yes, speaking," I replied.

"Hi, Ms. Taylor, your ticket for the flight to Norwainn next week is confirmed. Bring your passport when you come to the airport."

"Do I need to bring anything else besides my passport?"

"No, your passport will do."

"Alright."

After I hung up, Charles looked at me, puzzled. "Passport? Evelyn, why do you need your passport?"